Only six percent of Scouts become Eagle Scouts, according to the National Scouts website. April 27, mere months before his high school graduation, Eric Stone became one of those distinguished scouts.

“Being an Eagle Scout goes a long way. Lots of people do recognize it when you apply for colleges and jobs. You are always an Eagle Scout, it never goes away. And it is only somewhere between two to six percent of the male population,” Eric’s mother, Chanda Stone, said, adding that women can be Eagles as well. Boy Scouts originated in 1910 with the mission of preparing young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law. The mission of Eagle Scouts, according to the National Eagle Scout website, is to put Eagle pride to work forging actions that strengthen Scouting. For over 50 years, the National Eagle Scout Association has been giving Eagle Scout pride a purpose—because a Scout’s journey does not end at Eagle.

NESA promotes Eagle Scout accomplishments, celebrates Scouting spirit, and connects Eagles with opportunities to perpetuate the mission, values, and time-honored traditions of Scouting for future generations.

NESA members play a critical role in creating a world filled with leaders using the Scout Oath and Law to be responsible and participating citizens.”

According to Chandra, every single astronaut who has been to the moon has been an Eagle Scout.

Eric has a long family history of scouting.

“His grandfather and two uncles were also scouts,” Chandra added, and Eric’s father is an Eagle as well. Scouts came from near and far to celebrate. Local scouts made an appearance, as did the two Eagle Scout uncles, Jonathan and Corey Stone. The Stone boys traveled from out of state to celebrate their nephew’s award at the Grange.

In order to become an Eagle, the scout must complete a project. Eric chose to do maintenance around Wolf Hollow. It was not his first choice, as Chandra is the Director of Wolf Hollow. After his first choice fell through, they decided it was a good option and would help the non-profit tremendously. He rebuilt a deck, “He is very good at carpentry,” Chandra said, clearly proud. Eric also fixed a path that goes to the main building.

Since Eric was young, he has had a passion for blacksmithing, according to Chandra, and when she and her husband met a forger at a Renaissance Fair, who had won forge wars, they knew one of his hand-forged swords was the perfect gift for Eric. He was presented with it at the ceremony, and Eric wielded the sword to cut the cake.

While it is too early to tell if Eric will be joining NASA and heading to the moon with fellow Eagles, it is clear this distinguished honor will take him far. Where is he going next?

“He is headed to Western Washington University in the fall to study electrical engineering,” Chandra said.